Harvesting Work Research Articles

A comparison of the risk analyses for harvesting activities under different conditions

Today, it is mandatory for all employers to conduct risk analysis because of legal regulations and the increased importance attached to occupational safety and health (OSH) by society. Each harvesting unit has a unique topography, climate, type of machine or equipment, tree species, harvesting time (summer/winter), and external threats. Therefore, it is necessary to carefully identify the potential risks for each harvesting unit. This study compared the risk scores of forest harvesting in the Black Sea, Mediterranean, Aegean, Marmara, and Southeastern Anatolia regions of Türkiye with different geographical conditions. The risk analysis was conducted with a total of 338 harvesting workers from these regions. Twenty-nine hazards, categorized into six main classes, were identified via literature review, field observations, and expert opinions. Risk analysis was performed using the L-type matrix method. After that, the Chi-square test analyzed whether the risk scores determined for each geographic region differed or not. The results revealed significant differences in the results of risk analyses of harvesting activities between regions (c2 = 97.357; p<.001). While these differences were determined generally in the physical, psychosocial, and worker-related hazard classes, an obvious difference in biological or chemical hazard classes was not determined statistically. The results of the risk analysis obtained from the study will contribute to the identification of the risks that should be taken into consideration primarily for the examined regions and the implementation of measurements. Moreover, this study serves as a model for conducting risk analysis for other regions, to facilitate informed decision-making concerning OSH.

Assessment of musculoskeletal disorders among palm oil farmers with SNI 9011:2021 in Muara Wahau

Indonesia is the world's largest producer of palm oil, with millions of hectares of plantations. However, along with the growth of the palm oil industry, various challenges and issues related to the worker welfare have emerged. One important issue is musculoskeletal disorders or health problems associated with work in palm oil plantations. Workers in palm oil plantations are often exposed to heavy and repetitive work conditions, such as carrying heavy loads, performing monotonous movements, and working in non-ergonomic positions. These factors can increase the risk of musculoskeletal disorders, such as back pain, shoulder pain, neck pain, and other health issues. Therefore, this research aims to evaluate existing musculoskeletal disorders and provide recommendations for improvement and management of ergonomic risks in PT. DSN in Muara Wahau. The research methods include direct observation of palm oil farmers during their work, structured interviews to gather information on complaints and ergonomic risks, and the use of ergonomic analysis methods in accordance with the SNI 9011:2021 standard. The data obtained will be analyzed to identify ergonomic risk factors contributing to musculoskeletal disorders. The results of this study showed that all of palm oil harvesting workers experienced high risk level on their neck, while all of palm oil transportation workers encountered high risk on their elbow. Stretching or warm-up exercises before and after work were recommended to reduce the risk of injuries caused by non-ergonomic work positions among harvesting workers. Furthermore, redesigning Hook-T was recommended in order to minimize the MSD among palm oil transportation workers.

Petani Rasional: Gambaran Petani Benculuk Pasca Masuknya Mesin Combine Harvester

Abstract: The combine harvester machine entered and was adopted by farmers in Benculuk Village in October 2020. The combine harvester machine entered Benculuk Village due to several driving factors, namely the lack of a number of harvest workers, the mobility of farm workers to other jobs, the use of a combine machine that is more practical and efficient, the yield cleaner and more optimal, and farmers keep abreast of existing trends. Because after the introduction of the combine harvester machine it has been proven to be able to provide benefits for farmers including being able to minimize the level of crop loss, increase crop production, improve the quality of rice yields, and efficiency in the use of costs, time and energy expended. The purpose of this study was to examine the description of the rationality of farmers in Benculuk Village after the combine harvester machine was introduced. This study uses the theory of rational farmers from Samuel L. Popkin (1986). The method used is qualitative with a phenomenological approach. Where the research location is in Benculuk Village, Cluring District, Banyuwangi Regency. The findings from this study after the introduction of the combine harvester machine to farmers in Benculuk Village changed the life order of the farmers who used it. The changes that are felt have an impact on changes in civilization, namely changes in the technological machines used by farmers when they go to paddy fields. Ecological changes that make paddy soil more muddy and watery. Economic changes, namely farmers are more profitable, as well as changes in the social life of landowners and farm workers. After the introduction of the combine harvester machine in Benculuk Village, it shows that the farmers there have become rational farmers who lead to capitalism.

Effects of noise intensity on concentration levels of chainsaw operators and harvesting workers in industrial forest plantation, North Sumatera, Indonesia

Background Noise has the potential to affect the comfort and health of workers. The objective of this research was to determines the effects of noise on the concentration levels of both chainsaw operators and harvesting workers in industrial forest plantation, North Sumatra, Indonesia. Methods This experimental study included 20 respondents which consisted of 10 chainsaw operators/helpers and 10 harvesting workers. All respondents were exposed to the sound of a chainsaw in three different conditions (idle, half gas and racing conditions) with and without personal protective equipment (PPEs: earmuffs, ear plugs and without PPE). The sound intensity produced by the chainsaw and the noise received by the respondents were measured using a sound level meter. Respondents’ perception toward noise was recorded using a Likert scale. Respondents’ concentration level was assessed by giving 25 math-questions to be answered within 10 minutes. Wilcoxon sign rank test was used to analysed paired data. Results The average sound intensity received by respondents’ left and right ears were lower than the average sound intensity produced by the chainsaw. The use of earmuffs leads to better perception towards noise when compared with the use of earplugs and the absence of any PPE. Based on Wilcoxon test, the noise did not have significant impact on the concentration level of chainsaw operators, whilst the contrary result is true for harvesting workers. Conclusions The research indicated that although the noise produced by the chainsaw was considered noisy for both chainsaw operators and harvesting workers, it did not have a significant effect on the concentration level of chainsaw operators and only affected the harvesting workers. Therefore, given that the harvesting workers were still affected by the noise, noise control measures are still needed to ensure occupational safety and health for the workers.

Identification of effective factors in musculoskeletal disorders of tea harvesting workers: a qualitative study

Identification of effective factors in musculoskeletal disorders of tea harvesting workers: a qualitative study

Analysis of Factors Influencing Employee Performance in Palm Oil Harvesting at PT. Semadam

The palm oil industry has created business potential. Palm oil agribusiness is one of the industrial sectors in Indonesia that possesses a competitive advantage in the global market. The development of the palm oil industry in Indonesia has been carried out with a focus on achieving a balance among social, financial, and environmental aspects. The attention of oil palm plantation employees is crucial for increasing productivity. This research aims to analyze the influence of the harvest premium variables: length of service, age, education level, number of dependents, grants, and geology on the work implementation of oil palm harvesting workers at PT Semadam. This research was conducted in June 2022 at PT. Semadam, Aceh Tamiang. In this research, the survey method was employed. The number of samples was calculated using the Slovin Formula with an error rate of 10% or 0.1. This calculation obtained a sample size of 40 respondents from a population of 45 people. The research results indicate a collective influence of independent factors (premium collection, work involvement, age, education level, number of dependents, aid funds, and geographical location) on the dependent variable (work implementation). However, premium collection, education level, and geography significantly influence worker performance, while work involvement, age, work involvement, and grants do not substantially impact worker performance. The coefficient of determination, 0.825, indicates that the independent variables explain 82.5% of the variance in the dependent variable, while other factors influence 17.5%.

Karakteristik Sosial-Ekonomi dan Produktivitas Tenaga Kerja Panen Kelapa Sawit PT Task Parenggean

This study aims to describe the characteristics of the oil palm harvest workforce and socio-economic factors related to the productivity of harvesting labor at PT Task Parenggean. The sample was taken from the harvest labor population of Estate 1, Estate 2, and Estate 3, represented by 95 workers. The data were analyzed using multiple linear regression analysis and processed using SPSS (Statistical Program for Science). The results showed that age, family dependents, work experience, facilities & and infrastructure, and salary significantly affected the productivity of oil palm harvesting workers at PT Task Parenggean. In contrast, the level of education, residence, and premiums had no significant effect. 
 
 Keywords: socioeconomic, labor productivity, palm oil

Combined effects of occupational physical activity and ambient heat on kidney function in female harvest workers in Southern Spain

Combined effects of occupational physical activity and ambient heat on kidney function in female harvest workers in Southern Spain

Effects of noise intensity on concentration levels of chainsaw operators and harvesting workers in industrial forest plantation, North Sumatera, Indonesia.

Noise has the potential to affect the comfort and health of workers. The objective of this research was to determines the effects of noise on the concentration levels of both chainsaw operators and harvesting workers in industrial forest plantation, North Sumatra, Indonesia. This experimental study included 20 respondents which consisted of 10 chainsaw operators/helpers and 10 harvesting workers. All respondents were exposed to the sound of a chainsaw in three different conditions (idle, half gas and racing conditions) with and without personal protective equipment (PPEs: earmuffs, ear plugs and without PPE). The sound intensity produced by the chainsaw and the noise received by the respondents were measured using a sound level meter. Respondents' perception toward noise was recorded using a Likert scale. Respondents' concentration level was assessed by giving 25 math-questions to be answered within 10 minutes. Wilcoxon sign rank test was used to analysed paired data. The average sound intensity received by respondents' left and right ears were lower than the average sound intensity produced by the chainsaw. The use of earmuffs leads to better perception towards noise when compared with the use of earplugs and the absence of any PPE. Based on Wilcoxon test, the noise did not have significant impact on the concentration level of chainsaw operators, whilst the contrary result is true for harvesting workers. The research indicated that although the noise produced by the chainsaw was considered noisy for both chainsaw operators and harvesting workers, it did not have a significant effect on the concentration level of chainsaw operators and only affected the harvesting workers. Therefore, given that the harvesting workers were still affected by the noise, noise control measures are still needed to ensure occupational safety and health for the workers.

Earnings differentials between H-2A and unauthorized citrus harvesters in Florida

AbstractThe H-2A temporary agricultural workers visa program is a federal program allowing agricultural employers to bring in foreign workers on a seasonal basis. The extent to which H-2A workers earn more compared to their domestic unauthorized counterparts is of interest for both producers and workers. Using novel data on citrus harvest workers in the state of Florida, we estimate hourly earnings differentials by legal status using Classical and Bayesian inference. Findings suggest that participation in the H-2A program is associated with 18–23% higher hourly earnings for migrant harvesters in Florida after controlling for observable demographic and work-related variables.

ANALYSIS OF THE PHYSICAL WORKLOAD OF SUGARCANE HARVEST WORKERS AS THE BASIS FOR DETERMINING THE LENGTH OF REST BREAK AT BONE ARASOE SUGAR FACTORY

Arasoe Bone Sugar Factory is one of the sugar factories in Bone Regency, South Sulawesi. The production process at this company entirely uses machines that run automatically. However, the sugarcane harvesting activity is still carried out manually. All sugarcane harvesting activities result in physical workload on workers, especially when lifting sugarcane since in one loading, the workers are able to lift more than 30 kg of sugarcane. This activity is carried out repeatedly which results in fatigue on the harvest workers. The other factors that affect fatigue on the harvest workers are the harvested sugarcane plantations that can reach approximately 7 hectares in area and the work that lasts for 7 hours each day. This study aims to determine how much physical workload is experienced by sugarcane harvest workers and to determine how long the rest break is based on the physical workload that is obtained while working for the sugarcane harvest workers. The assessment of physical workload was carried out using the Cardiovascular Load (%CVL) method and the calculation of the length of rest break was carried out using a physiological approach. Based on the results of calculating the percentage of Cardiovascular Load (%CVL), it was discovered that all respondents experienced fatigue consisting of 5 workers with a %CVL of 60%, 13 people with %CVL of 80%, and 2 people with %CVL of 100%. Therefore, all respondents were included into the category of heavy physical workload. The optimal rest break is 80.79 minutes, while the rest break given is only 60 minutes. Hence, an additional 20.79 minutes of rest break is needed. The rest break of 20.79 minutes is used for spontaneous breaks, i.e., short break after the workload.

The Islamic Economic Views on Palm Oil Harvester Wages

The purpose of this study was to describe the wage system for oil palm harvesting workers at PT. Dewa Sawit Sari Persada, Dendang District, and how is the view of Islamic economics related to the wage system for oil palm harvesting workers at PT. Dewa Sawit Sari Persada. This research uses descriptive qualitative methods, and uses field research, namely research conducted in certain environments by conducting direct field studies to obtain concrete data regarding the wage payment system for oil palm harvesting wholesale workers at PT. Dewa Sawit Sari Persada. Data collection techniques through observation, interviews, and documentation. Interviews were conducted with the company, namely estate managers, divisional assistants, harvest foremen, harvest clerks and administrative staff, as well as harvest workers. The results of the research on the wage system for oil palm harvesting workers at PT. Dewa Sawit Sari Persada is not enough when viewed from an Islamic economic perspective because there has been no decision from the company leadership to increase workers' wages, the salary provided is not sufficient for basic needs, no shuttle transportation is provided, no health insurance is provided for workers, there is no guarantee of working days old

A novel risk assessment model for work-related musculoskeletal disorders in tea harvesting workers

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are the most common occupational health problems in agriculture workers due to repetitive and excessive force movement activities involved in their job processes. The Fine-Kinney method has been commonly used as a quantitative evaluation method in risk assessment studies. Classically, the risk value via Fine–Kinney is calculated by the mathematical multiplication irrespective of the degree of importance of each risk parameter (probability (P), exposure (E), and consequence (C)). Hence, a novel risk management model was proposed based on integrating Fine-Kinney and spherical fuzzy AHP-TOPSIS. First, each risk parameter is weighted using the spherical fuzzy AHP (SF-AHP). Second, the spherical fuzzy TOPSIS (SF-TOPSIS) method is used for hazard ranking. The proposed model is applied to evaluate risks in tea harvesting workers for work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Subsequently, a sensitivity analysis is carried out to test the proposed model. Finally, we compare the proposed model’s applicability and effectiveness with the spherical fuzzy COmbinative Distance-based ASsessment (SF-CODAS) method based on Fine-Kinney. The ranking similarity between the proposed Fine-Kinney-based SF-TOPSIS and SF-CODAS methods is checked by applying Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient, in which 92% of rankings are matched.

Fitness to Work Assessment for Oil Palm Fruits Harvest Workers Diagnosed with Color Blindness using Color Blind Test Media Based on the Color of Oil Palm Fruit.

Color blindness or color vision deficiency (CVD) is a disease that makes recognizing colors difficult or impossible. A person with color blindness may find it challenging to obtain employment, particularly in positions that need the ability to distinguish or see colors accurately. As the world's largest producer of palm oil, Indonesia employs a vast number of people in this industry. To discern between ripe and unripe oil palm fruit, harvesting jobs for oil palms is one of the occupations that require excellent color recognition skills. In the lack of a practical test method to determine the eligibility of a color blind oil palm fruit harvester, a simple yet effective test that can be modified for each enterprise is required.

Factors Causing Work Stress Levels In Oil Palm Harvesting Workers At PT. Cipta Davia Mandiri In Kutai Timur District

Background: plantation activities in the form of harvesting and caring for oil palm require energy or labor or a heavy workload because at the time of these activities' workers need a lot of stamina or energy, especially the production department or harvester section. In connection with these stages, careful handling is needed to prevent work accident disorders including psychosocial disorders in the form of work stress. To anticipate the occurrence of work stress, workers need to be given an understanding of occupational safety and health (K3) through knowledge of factors that cause work stress.
 Research Methods: quantitative with the type of research that is analytic survey using cross sectional approach. The population in this study were workers harvesting oil palm PT. Cipta Davia Mandiri in East Kutai Regency, totaling 176 people. The sample is 122 respondents. Data analysis using the Chi-Square test.
 Results: there was an effect of age on the level of work stress in oil palm harvesting workers (p value: 0.000 <: 0.05). There is an effect of working period on the level of work stress on oil palm harvesting workers (p value: 0.000 <: 0.05). There is an effect of workload on the level of work stress on oil palm harvesting workers (p value: 0.013 <: 0.05).
 Conclusion: age, period of work and workload are factors that cause work stress levels. It is recommended that harvesters avoid work stress, need to create a decent work environment by fostering a family atmosphere and attitude and find solutions to solve problems.

TANTANGAN PETANI CABAI DALAM MENCARI BURUH PANEN DI DESA PAREPEI, KABUPATEN MINAHASA

This study aims to determine the challenges of the chili farming community in Parepei Village, in meeting the need for chili harvesting laborers so that the chili farmers in Parepei Village hire or seek harvest workers from outside the village, in fulfilling the needs of chili harvesting from farmers. The research method used is qualitative research by collecting observation data and direct interviews with several informants. The general results of the study show that the challenges of chili farmers in finding harvest laborers are because there are still many people who have the prestige to work as chili labor farmers, there are still many people who are embarrassed to work as chili labor farmers, many people prefer to work outside the village, lack of trust chili farmers to young people

Ergonomic Risk Factors for Musculoskeletal Disorders among Ethnic Lychee-Longan Harvesting Workers in Northern Thailand.

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are one of the leading causes of occupational injuries and disabilities. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of MSDs and occupational factors affecting MSDs among ethnic lychee-longan harvesting workers in northern Thailand. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the areas of three upper northern provinces of Thailand. The study areas are located in the highlands and rural plains, where many ethnic minority groups live, including Indigenous, Mien, Karen, and Lua. The majority of them work in a farm of perennial fruit trees, mainly lychee and longan. During the harvest season, 404 participants were recruited for the study using the convenience sampling technique. Data were collected using questionnaires that included general information, an ergonomic risk assessment, and a standardized Nordic questionnaire for assessing MSDs in 10 body parts. The average age of lychee-longan harvesting workers was 48.8 years. Almost all (99.5%) reported MSDs in one or more body regions in the previous seven days of work. The prevalence of MSDs was highest in the hands (82.9%), followed by the shoulders (82.2%) and the neck (79.7%). The total ergonomic risk scores, which included awkward posture, heavy carrying and lifting, repetitive activity, land slope, and equipment, were found to be significantly associated with MSDs in part of the neck (AOR = 1.17, 95%CI = 1.11-1.23), shoulder (AOR = 1.15, 95%CI = 1.10-1.21), elbow (AOR = 1.18, 95%CI = 1.12-1.24), hand (AOR = 1.12, 95%CI = 1.07-1.18), finger (AOR = 1.33, 95%CI = 1.24-1.44), upper back (AOR = 1.14, 95%CI = 1.09-1.20), lower back (AOR = 1.16, 95%CI = 1.11-1.22), hip (AOR = 1.11, 95%CI = 1.06-1.15), knee (AOR = 1.18, 95%CI = 1.12-1.24), and feet (AOR = 1.21, 95%CI = 1.15-1.28) when adjusting for ethnicity, sex, age, BMI, and work experience. Many parts of ethnic workers' bodies have been affected by occupational injuries, with a high risk of upper extremity injury. As a result, using an ergonomic approach to improving the working environment and appropriate posture movement is very beneficial in preventing MSDs among ethnic harvesting workers.

Evaluation of working conditions, work postures, musculoskeletal disorders and low back pain among sugar production workers.

It is generally agreed that musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a severe health concern, particularly for agricultural laborers. The study aimed to identify risk factors and work-related disorders among agricultural workers at Amirkabir agro-industry company in Iran. A total of 158 workers, of which 66 were manual harvesting workers (four postures), 40 were fertilizer transportation workers (three postures), and 52 were spraying workers (one posture), were included in the study. The research used questionnaires to collect data, and the postures were analyzed using 3DSSPP software. Related risk factors such as age, body mass index, work experience, working hours, and sports activity were analyzed. The incidence rate of lower back pain (94%), knee pain (82%), neck pain (69%), upper-back (63%), and shoulder (63%) were calculated. The logistic regression revealed that working hours and sports activities are significantly correlated to the wrist/hand and neck MSD with 5.62 and 6.38 times more likely among manual harvesting workers. The 3DSSPP software estimated that the lower back pain, especially in the first posture, for manure transportation workers was very high. Maximum L5-S1 compression, shear, and moment forces in the first posture among manure transportation workers were 7113 N and 472 N, -381 N-m, respectively. The 3DSSPP results also illustrated that compression, shear, and moment forces exceeded the NIOSH limit for the other postures. After interventions, compression, shear, and moment forces among all farm workers decreased. These findings emphasize that farm workers need to be under surveillance continuously at their workstations where interventions and improvement in specific tasks are required.

Objectively-assessed physical activity and heat stress and the association with kidney function in female harvest workers in Spain

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Physical activity (PA) in hot environments has been associated with kidney damage. In harvest workers, PA has been primarily assessed by questionnaires in males. We aimed to study the association between objectively-measured PA intensity and incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) over the course of one work shift, in female harvest workers in Spain. METHODS: Ninety women working in greenhouses wore a Zephyr chest harness to measure PA intensity during one regular work shift in June 2020. We determined the mean (PA_mean), standard deviation (PA_sd), and 3-minute-maximum (PA_max, a proxy of peak PA intensity) of PA intensity (vector magnitude units). We estimated heat stress (HS) in greenhouses based on wet bulb globe temperature index (ISO 7243:2017). Serum creatinine and neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin (NGAL) levels were measured before and after the work shift. AKI was defined as an increase in post-shift serum creatinine by at least 0.3 mg/dl or at least 1.5 times the pre-shift serum creatinine levels. Additionally, we calculated pre-post-shift differences in NGAL. We used logistic regressions adjusted for age, body mass index, and HS. HS was also assessed as an effect modifier. RESULTS: PA_sd and PA_max seemed to be associated with AKI (OR=1.57 (95%CI=0.82;3.21) and 1.41 (0.71;2.85), respectively), but not PA_mean. There was no interaction between any of the PA variables and HS (p-value LRT>0.1). Mean (SD) increase in NGAL levels over the course of a work shift was higher among participants with AKI (27.8 (7.5)) compared to those without AKI (12.2 (2.7)). CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that large changes and peaks in PA intensity should be avoided to protect renal function of harvest workers. Increased levels of NGAL among those with AKI are indicative of kidney damage among those with increased serum creatinine levels. KEYWORDS: Occupational physical activity, acute kidney injury, ambient heat stress

The Psychosocial Risk Factors Evaluation and Management of Shift Personnel at Forest Harvesting

The study describes psychosocial risk factors at work in relation to the general functional state of a body, working capacity and stress among shift workers at a logging enterprise in the Far North. The study involved 153 loggers with a 14-day shift period. Research methods included the psychophysiological instrumental method (variocardiointervalometry) used to assess the general functional state of a body, M. Luscher’s color test to assess working capacity and stress and QNordic to assess psychosocial factors. Statistical analysis was performed using multiple stepwise regression analysis and frequency analysis. It was found that 71.1% of employees have a favorable general functional state of the body, 28.9%—unfavorable; the forest loggers who took part in the survey have a high level of working capacity and a low level of stress. It was substantiated that the general functional state of a body, stress and working capacity, measured by objective and subjective methods, are differentially interconnected with psychosocial factors at work. The general functional state of forest harvesting workers is influenced by factors of labor content, intensity and organization. The relationships with the immediate supervisor are important in order to increase the working capacity and efficiency of employees as well as their involvement in work.